Topless only! The beach known as „El Pedocìn,” or La Lanterna, with its blue-painted walls, is one of Trieste’s curiosities. If you want to dive into the Trieste lifestyle beyond the well-known attractions, this is one of the best opportunities. The entire experience feels like a time travel: the beach is divided in the middle by a wall, with men and women sunbathing separately. There’s no luxury, just tranquility, crystal-clear water, and women sunbathing topless while discussing recipes and family matters (I don’t have many experiences from the men’s side, but it was obvious from afar that there were far fewer guests there). At the snack bar, you can even ask for a panino ungherese, naturally with salami.
The entrance fee is about 1.20 Euros. The beach is within walking distance from the city center (5 minutes from the marina); if your accommodation is farther, you can take bus number 9.